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Many of us have vivid childhood memories of trips to the coast, from old fishing villages and bustling ports, to deck chairs and long piers. Oh, and of course, let's not forget tucking into a fish and chip lunch.

The south east of England is home to many beaches from traditional seaside resorts such as Eastbourne and Margate, to the golden sands at Bournemouth and the hidden treasure that is West Wittering.

Summery things to do in Surrey

1. Bournemouth Pier, Dorset

With seven miles of golden sands and sparkling sea, the vibrant cosmopolitan town of Bournemouth has it all – a vast variety of shops, restaurants and holiday accommodation, seafront hotels, quality B&Bs, a buzzing nightlife and endless countryside with beautiful award winning gardens and water sports galore.

2. Christchurch Mudeford Sandbank, Dorset

An isolated spit adjoining the ancient headland of Hengistbury Head, Mudeford Sandbank offers a sandy beach against a backdrop of picturesque beach huts and views of Christchurch Harbour and the open sea

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Hidden away in the deepest depths of Surrey, miles away from the coast, is a beach resembling in every respect a seaside resort. On hot summer days, people sunbathe on the sand and swim in calm waters, while children splash around on shallow edges, play with beach balls, build sandcastles and eat ice creams.

Beach type: Sand

Facilities: Toilets on site. There is a snack bar at Great Pond selling chips, burgers, bacon sandwiches, sausages, ice creams and hot and cold drinks.

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Dogs: Not allowed on the beaches at any time and inflatable boats and rings are not permitted.

Parking: Parking is free on weekdays but on Saturdays, Sundays and bank Holidays it is £4 (unless you are a National Trust member or Blue Badge holder). It closes at 9pm.

Postcode: Bacon Lane, Churt, GU10 2QB

The beach at Frensham Great Pond

4. Harbour Sandbanks Beach, Dorset

Beautiful sandy beach with a wide variety of facilities. Sandbanks is very popular with families in the summer. Activities include childrens' games, crazy golf, windsurfing, sailing and paddle boats. There is a swimmers only zone and lifeguards on duty during the summer season

Parking: Large car park is available with easy access to this beach. Charges apply

Postcode: Banks Road, Poole, BH13 7QQ

5. Chesil Beach, Dorset

Sometimes called Chesil Bank, it is effectively a large pebble bank which extends for 18 miles. Described as one of Britain’s natural wonders, for much of its length it is separated from the mainland by an area of saline water called the Fleet Lagoon.

Beach type: Pebble

Facilities: There are pubs and cafes nearby

Dogs: Allowed

Parking: At access points

Postcode: Portland Beach Road, Portland, DT4 9XE

Chesil Beach in Dorset (Image: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)

6. Swanage, Dorset

The safe sheltered bay is flanked by magnificent chalk headlands on either side. The gently sloping sands form a good 2km family beach with a promenade, providing all the facilities of a small seaside resort.

Beach type: Sand

Facilities: Toilets with disabled facilities and several cafes and restaurants. There is a first aid point and a lost child centre

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8. Eastbourne, East Sussex

The beach is popular with visitors and residents alike. It is a shingle beach with sandy stretches at mid to low tide. Local features include the pier, bandstand, promenade and famed Floral Carpet Gardens which all form part of its resort heritage.

Dogs: The beach is cleaned daily during summer and there are dog free zones

Parking: There are several car parks situated adjacent to the beach

Postcode: Grand Parade, America Ground, Bohemia, Hastings, TN38 0DD

Trawlers on Hastings beach in East Sussex (Image: Adam Gerrard)

10. Rye, East Sussex

A very flat sand and shingle beach with a large tidal range that makes and it possible to remain within your depth for a long way out. A popular destination for paddlers, windsurfers, kite surfers and sand-buggies.

Beach type: Shingle

Facilities: Cafes, shop in nearby Camber, toilets in the car-park and a motorised craft launching zone

Dogs: Allowed. Between May 1 - September 30 dogs must be on leads within marked areas

Parking: There is a pay car park

Postcode: TN31 7RT

11. Brighton Palace Pier Beach, East Sussex

Stroll along the bustling Brighton promenade and soak up the cosmopolitan atmosphere at one of the cafes and bars, relax on the famous pebble beach or try your hand at one of the many beach and water sports or sailing activities.

12. West Wittering, West Sussex

Offering wonderful views of Chichester Harbour and the South Downs beyond, the natural and unspoilt sandy beach of West Wittering has been a favourite destination for a family day out for generations. It is a wonderful area for a traditional bucket and spade day out or as a starting point winter walk around East Head

Dogs: Bins are provided and dog free zones are in place from May 1 - September 30. Dog bins are available all year round

Parking: 5,000 pay spaces available including disabled

Postcode: PO20 8AJ

Beach-goers play in the sea on West Wittering beach (Image: Getty Images)

13. Littlehampton, West Sussex

Two award-winning beaches, the beautiful River Arun and a large seafront green makes Littlehampton a popular destination for individuals, families and couples. Whether you are looking for a seaside town with plenty to do on a day out or a base for exploring the beautiful Sussex Coast, Littlehampton is the ideal place to visit.

Beach type: Shingle and sand

Facilities: Toilets, showers, disabled facilities, cafes

Dogs: Dog access is restricted to certain areas of the beach during the summer and dogs must be kept on leads on the promenade

Parking: Several pay car parks close to the beach

Postcode: BN17 5LG

14. Camber Sands, East Sussex

The beach is famous for the long ridges of sand dunes leading down to miles of soft golden sands. With such a large open space, power kites are a popular pastime- a very colourful sight to see. It is very busy in the summer months with visitors using the caravan parks, holiday homes and campsites.

Parking: Parking is pay on entry from Easter to the end of September. During the winter months pay and display ticket machines operate

Postcode: Old Lydd Road, Camber, Rye, TN31 7RH

Camber Sands beach near Rye in East Sussex (Image: Jake Eastham)

15. Ramsgate Main Sands, Kent

The popular sandy beach surrounded by high chalk cliffs and adjacent to the picturesque Royal Harbour and marina, with plenty of options for ice cream and fish and chips. The beach is perfect for families, with rides for children and clean, safe bathing water.

16. Three Shells Beach, Essex

Situated in the middle of Southend-on-Sea by the pier, Three Shells is a popular family-friendly sandy beach as it is in the town and close to shops, cafes, restaurants and amusements.

Beach type: Sand

Facilities: Toilets, shower, shops, cafe

Dogs: Dog restrictions apply

Parking: Pay parking

Postcode: Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1EE

17. Clacton-on-Sea, Essex

Famous for the Clacton Pier, built in 1877. Clacton beach now attracts families to its huge range of traditional seaside entertainments. A sandy beach considered child friendly with local lifeguard patrol and first aid cover.

18. Frinton-on-Sea, Essex

Flat firm sandy beaches lie between a series of timber groynes. The beach is backed by sloping cliffs and is a quiet family resort. There is a coastal path to Holland Haven Country Park.

Beach type: Sand

Facilities: Slip-way and toilets (including disabled)

Dogs: Allowed except from between May 1 - September 30

Parking: Ample free car parking (including disabled spaces)

Postcode: CO13 9PW

19. Charmouth East Beach, Dorset

A beautiful area of the Dorset coast with spectacular seascapes. Part of what is now dubbed the Jurassic Coast because of the number of fossil remains discovered. Attracts fossil hunters, families and day trippers.

Charmouth beach in Dorset where you can hunt for fossils (Image: Richard Austin)

20. *SECRET BEACH* Botany Bay, Thanet

The sandy beach is hidden behind residential streets on the way to Broadstairs and the unspoiled bay is surrounded by white chalk stacks. It is only accessible via steps or a very steep slope and there are no "official" facilities here except a quaint little cafe, the Botany Bay hotel, a few toilets and a couple of small kiosks in the high summer season.

Beach type: Sand

Facilities: Toilets open until September from 8am-6.45pm. There is a kiosk which provides tea, coffee and snacks.

Dogs: Banned from May 1 to September 31 from 10am-6pm

Parking: Limited free on-street parking available in Botany Road, a small unmade road area at the bottom of Botany Road and Marine Drive.

Postcode: Marine Drive, Broadstairs, CT10 3LG

Botany Bay in Thanet (Image: Thanet Tourism)

21. *SECRET BEACH* Kingsgate Bay, Broadstairs

This sheltered sandy cove is backed by high white chalk cliffs and is a lot quieter than neighbouring Joss Bay. There are lots of sea caves to explore and overlooking the southern end of the beach is Kingsgate Castle, built in the 1760s for Lord Holland.

22. *SECRET BEACH* Kingsdown Beach, Deal

The secluded beach in Deal is located on the South Foreland Heritage Coast and is an ideal spot for rockpooling. It is a popular place to launch a kayak and the village of Kingsdown is located at the northern end of the White Cliffs of Dover.

Beach type: Shingle

Facilities: Toilets, pub, shops and cafes are available nearby.

Dogs: Restrictions may apply (usually from Easter until the end of Summer)